Arrow, Walking Dead, and more

I mark the sign of my favorite shows as those I not only look forward to every week, but those I dread the season finale not only because I’ll miss the show, but because I know something is going to happen and it’s going to be devastating to the characters and — more importantly! — to me. Using that criteria, the two shows that I now mark as my favorites are ARROW and WALKING DEAD.

If you want to catch up on ARROW, Lavinia Kent and I publish an article every Friday evening over at the HEA blog. This week’s summary is here. “Broken Hearts” brought back the absolutely fabulous actress who played Carrie Cutter, aka “Cupid.” But like with most ARROW episodes, there were double meanings galore, including the relationship between Oliver and Felicity.

WALKING DEAD is not about zombies or violence or gore — though there is that. WALKING DEAD is about people. Survivors. It’s about what good (and bad) people do when the world has changed. I care so much about what happens to the characters not only because I know that bad things happen to good people, but because I know that this show will not spare anyone. Everyone is at risk. Everyone is in jeopardy. Our favorite characters may die. Or worse.

Every writer should watch THE WALKING DEAD because it is, at its core, about character. And it’s only gotten better. After a rough sophomore season, I’ve been hooked, and it’s a rare show that can continue to surprise me.

And, well, Negan is coming. Next week.

What is the one show that you love and you squirm? You love it so much and care so much about the characters that you can’t wait for next week? That the season finale leaves you in a state of permanent anxiety until the next season?

Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly three dozen romantic thrillers and mysteries, including the Lucy Kincaid series and the Max Revere series. She lives in Northern California with her husband, five children, and assorted pets.

5 comments on “Arrow, Walking Dead, and more”

Sadly, I can’t think of any shows this season that keep me that enthralled…that…on-the-edge-of-my-seat worried about any of the characters. I’ve enjoyed Lucifer, I’m curious from week to week but if I miss seeing it live and have to catch up on DVR, maybe a week or so later, I’m not in a rush. NCIS always makes me nervous as the season finale draws near. They’ve killed off and written out characters I cared about and have left others in limbo that had me mentally pacing the floor until the new season. I know the actor playing Tony DiNozzo is leaving after this season so the big question is dead or new life, like with Siva.

One of these days, I really need to do a binge of The Walking Dead. I didn’t start at the beginning and trying to watch now leaves me lost. 🙂

You have GOT to watch THE WALKING DEAD. I watched the first season and a half, and the beginning of season 2 was so-so … so I stopped. Then my son wanted to watch it so I re-watched and realized how good it was … the beginning of season 2 is still rough (new show runner) but by the midpoint it totally picks up. We binge watched through season 5, and then had to wait (wait!!!!) for season 6. After that, it has gotten better with each season. It is truly a character driven show, more than any other I’ve ever seen. I don’t say that lightly! Without the characters, it is nothing.

Start from the beginning. It’s worth it. TRUST ME. I don’t say that often — but this show is a MUST for writers. I’ve been trying to get JT to watch it for two years! She refuses. She doesn’t do zombies. I tell her, this isn’t about zombies! It’s about people! And yes … Jeffrey Dean Morgan. 🙂 He hasn’t even been on the show yet (his first episode is the season 6 finale), but his presence is already felt.

The Walking Dead is my favorite show of them all. I use my DVR for all of the shows I love to watch. Being a TV addict, that includes a lot of shows. But I have to watch The Walking Dead on the night that is is on. I cannot wait until Sunday for the finale, although I know they are going to leave us hanging about something. Hopefully it is not the fate of Darryl. Pretty sure I will be holding my breath during part of the show.

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Bio:

Allison Brennan

Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly three dozen romantic thrillers and mysteries, including the Lucy Kincaid series and the Max Revere series. She lives in Northern California with her husband, five children, and assorted pets.